Photographer's Note

After weeks of dull, miserable and wet weather, this was a brief couple of hours of very welcome spring-like sunshine which I found when I visited Dalserf Church two days ago.

Dalserf is a tiny village with a population of only about 50 people and lies close to the River Clyde in South Lanarkshire, only about eight miles northwest of Lanark. The name of the village comes from the Gaelic dail, meaning field, and Serf, the name of a 6th-century saint who might, perhaps, have passed by here. Saint Serf (c 500 - 583 AD) was indeed a Scottish saint though the centre of his cult and his activity was more probably in south Fife where it is believed that he founded the settlement of Culross.

The small Dalserf Church is a rather uninspiring oblong building whose only real interest is its tall bell-cote graced by elegantly slender cast-iron posts. Outside stairs lead to three galleries and two large memorial windows on either side of pulpit are by stained-glass artist Douglas Hogg. The building, however, dates from 1655, just prior to the notorious "Killing Time" when many Scottish Presbyterian Covenanters, rebellious to the restoration of episcopacy in Scotland in 1660, suffered dreadfully at the hands and swords of the forces of Charles II and James VII. As well as gravestones from that time, the churchyard also has a fine Covenanting memorial.

But two days ago I was not going to think on the grim sufferings of the Covenanters, but rather enjoy this brief period of glorious sunshine!

Hi John. Human history is littered with stories of suffering and persecution but as you say, the sunshine is for the living while the dead are in profound slumber. Lovely soft light and harmonious palette. The white of the building is like a magnet for the light and makes a nice backdrop for the tombstones. Regards. Klaudio.

Hi John, Finally we can feel that the spring is coming. No flowers yet but how nice is the sunny day. The simple building looks beautifully , contrasting with the blue sky. Nice looking graveyard, so different than the cemeteries we have in Poland. Glorious photo is spite of the theme.

Oh, I could use some weather like this... it snowed AGAIN today, and even though it was just a flurry, it seems a threat that winter will never end. Good to be reminded here that it will (someday!)

Gorgeous light indeed, and nice to catch it falling on a quaint little church like this one, with the village cemetery before it. It's a strange design, and one I don't think I've seen before; I actually would have guessed at a bit of Tudor influence, but this is before that time. Interesting to hear of its Civil War history as well. Thanks!

Doesn't the appearance of the sun make a huge difference, not only to your photographs but to your attitude to taking photographs!

I like your positioning, here, where you set the scene with the gravestones and use them and their shadows as a natural guide towards the focal church. You call the building uninspiring, maybe as a church, it is, but it doesn't look like a church, it looks like a fine country house and, in that aspect it looks rather attractive!
The light is glorious and you have done well to have no oe on the white walls of the church.

Hi John,finally the sun is back in your and in my country too,it's time to go,the first springtime colors as the fresh green of grass are a great opportunity,your pic is truly beautiful,i like your choice of point of view,and the choice of the moment too with the best light,the best way to show us this very old church and its cemetery.Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

You found a very quiet place literally and figuratively with the cemetery in foreground.
I like the specially church, this type church architecture is here not known.
I am happy that your writes an excellent notes, I learn everyday something on TE.
It's twenty one to one in de afternoon, on these clock, exactly a nice picture on the noon.
You took a very nice picture with a lovely composition.
The cloudy sky shows a nice contrast.
Very well done, TFS.

Hi John
nice to see a bit of warm sun eh? Like you I made the most of it yesterday, as todays posting demonstrates. This little church is so unusual and you have captured it from such a wonderful viewpoint. Lots of history here as your commentary says and it looks amazing in this setting and under a clear sky. Fascinating and beautiful imagery!

Hello John,
This is certainly a rather odd church, looking to me like a fairly posh private home with a funny tower. Having your lawn full of graves would be very unusual though. But it's a neat photo with excellent llight and beautiful colours.
Kind regards,
Gert

Hi John,
A very beautiful little church and an interesting note (as usual). I like this photo and I also enjoy the Google aerial photo which shows the special forms of the church. Beautiful weather, it really starts to look like spring!
Kind regards
Gunnar